Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I will outline the current gender breakdown of all the bodies under the aegis of my Department, distinguishing between direct appointees and nominations. As for the National Statistics Board, there are five male and one female direct appointees, as well as one male and one female nominee. The Law Reform Commission is formed by nomination and there are two male and three female nominees. On the National Centre for Partnership and Performance, there are three female and one male direct appointees and eight male and three female nominees. On the National Economic and Social Council, there are three male and one female direct appointees, as well as 19 male and eight female nominees. Finally, the National Economic and Social Forum has seven female and four male direct appointees and 33 male and 17 female nominees. These figures will provide the Deputy with an indication. A problem in respect of nominations is the surprising inability of some sources to provide female representation, given their broad policy positions on many of these areas.

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